There are many misconceptions about apparently dangerous sports such as parachuting, hang gliding and paragliding. Many people assume that those who practice such sports must have a death wish and throw caution to the wind when they engage in airborne sports of these types.
In fact, there are parachute jumping operations that have never seen fatalities occur even after years of operation. There are other cases in which a very experienced skydiver has died only because the person who packed his parachute that day made some fatal error such as not untangling cords of his back-up parachute. Safety precautions, regulations, training, proper equipment and, where small airplanes are involved, the training of the pilot can all make the difference between safe jumps and glides and catastrophic injuries resulting from unsuccessful ones.
If your loved one died in a parachuting accident, a hang gliding accident or a paragliding accident, do not come to a quick conclusion about whether you have a viable wrongful death claim. There may be a product liability claim against a manufacturer or a negligence claim against someone who did not fulfill his or her responsibilities with regard to the parachute jump or gliding outing.
Even a Signed Waiver Does not Excuse Reckless Conduct
You may hear that your loved one "signed a waiver," so you do not have a claim. This may not be true, since even a signed waiver does not excuse reckless conduct by people operating a jump or gliding business. A signed waiver means nothing if it is determined that a parachute or hang glider was defective.
After a Pennsylvania Parachuting, Hang Gliding or Paragliding Accident, Lawyers of Boyle, Autry & Murphy Offer Free Consultations
If you suffered a brain injury or spinal cord injury in a Philadelphia or Harrisburg recreational sports accident, injury lawyers with ample knowledge and experience can advise you of your rights to compensation and how to pursue that compensation. Contact us to schedule a free initial consultation with an attorney regarding your parachuting or paragliding case.
